[80’s] A Collection of Iconic Songs Representing the New Romantic Movement [New Wave]
The New Romantic movement, born in early-1980s Britain.
Its glamorous makeup and fashion, combined with synth-heavy sounds, became the driving force that opened up a new musical scene.
Born as a reaction to punk, this style was brief as a movement, but with its glamorous aesthetic it fused with dance music and influenced many musicians—Japan included.
In this article, we’ll introduce tracks ranging from songs that can be considered the roots of the New Romantic sound to its signature anthems.
If you’ve only recently come across the term “New Romantic,” be sure to check it out!
- Romantic masterpieces. Recommended popular songs.
- [BUCK-TICK Masterpieces] Popular Songs by the Legendary Band with an Overwhelming Presence
- Great Western rock classics and hit songs of the ’90s
- From Japan! Technopop masterpieces and recommended popular tracks
- [Intoxicating Vibes] A Beginner’s Guide to Classic Psychedelic Rock Songs (Western Music)
- Recommended masterpieces and popular songs of Western electro-pop and synth-pop
- A classic song by The Cro-Magnons. Recommended track.
- Club Hits: Dance music from Western artists that energized the dance floors in the 1980s
- [Definitive Edition] Masterpieces and Hit Songs of 80s Disco
- [1980s Western Music] Nostalgic 80's Best Hit Songs
- Nothing but classics! A nostalgic collection of ’80s Western ballads
- [1980s Nostalgia] What Is the World of Synthwave? — Recommended Popular Tracks
- Love songs in Western music that were hits in the 1980s. World-famous classics and popular tracks.
[80’s] A Collection of Iconic Songs Representing the New Romantic Movement [New Wave] (21–30)
Poison MindCulture Club
Culture Club is well known and has released many hit songs, but I chose this track that doesn’t get featured very often.
Boy George’s makeup and outfit are almost too perfect—an ideal embodiment of the New Romantic style.
And his sweet voice really suits the synth-driven sound, doesn’t it?
Goody Two-ShoesAdam Ant
It was his first single after leaving the band Adam and the Ants, and it reached number one on the UK Singles Chart.
The song has a distinctive style and a great groove, so I can see why it became a hit.
The medieval-inspired look in the video really suits him.
[80’s] A Collection of Iconic Songs Representing the New Romantic Movement [New Wave] (31–40)
Is It a DreamClassix Nouveaux
Neo-romantic bands are known for their commitment to a feminine style, but the vocalist of this group is a skinhead, which makes quite an impact.
The scene in the music video where they’re doing kendo for some reason is kind of funny.
Where Did Our Love GoSoft Cell
This piece is an arrangement based on a song by the American vocal group, The Supremes.
If you listen to the original, you’ll notice that using synthesizers makes it feel like a completely different track.
That’s the real charm of music, isn’t it?
Ai LanA Flock Of Seagulls
This group is from the UK, but this song was a much bigger hit in the United States than in Britain.
It even won a Grammy.
The prominent guitar sound might be one reason it resonated with American listeners.
Gentlemen Take PolaroidsJapan
I’ve heard that Japan has said they don’t want to be categorized as New Romantic, but their style and music really feel New Romantic to me.
This song didn’t chart that high, but it’s quite distinctive and cool, so it might really hit the sweet spot for some listeners.
Mad WorldTears for Fears
For Tears for Fears, this song was their first big hit, but in fact the lyrics are somewhat on the depressive side.
In contrast, the melody isn’t all that gloomy; it feels like a tune that soothes the soul.